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In the era of AI and climate change, energy policy must navigate the trade-offs

Introduction India’s energy policy historically prioritised universal access, affordability, and supply security, achieved through government-led institutions, public sector enterprises, and diversified import sources. However, climate change, AI-driven electricity demand, and the greening of global supply chains have disrupted this stable model. The new policy imperative is to navigate complex trade-offs between economic growth, technological innovation,… Continue reading In the era of AI and climate change, energy policy must navigate the trade-offs

How the rupee’s fall is ‘real’ this time

Introduction The rupee’s depreciation in late 2024 and 2025 has raised concerns not merely because of its nominal slide but because the Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER) also shows a downward trend. Unlike previous years, when inflation differentials kept the rupee “overvalued,” the REER for 2024-25 has fallen below 100, indicating undervaluation and revealing deeper… Continue reading How the rupee’s fall is ‘real’ this time

Samudrayaan Mission 

 Why in the News? Key tests for Samudrayaan, India’s first manned deep-ocean submersible, have been delayed due to the late procurement of syntactic foam cladding from France. The crucial 500-metre test dive is now expected by mid-2025 (around April). What is syntactic foam?  A special composite material made of hollow micro-balloons embedded in resin. Provides… Continue reading Samudrayaan Mission 

Rustic Bunting Spotted in NCR for the First Time

Why in the News? A Rustic Bunting (Emberiza rustica) — a rare migratory passerine bird — was spotted for the first time in the National Capital Region (NCR) at Najafgarh Jheel (Delhi–Gurugram border) on 28 November 2025. About Rustic Bunting (Emberiza rustica) General Features Passerine bird, slightly larger than a sparrow. Distinctive markings: Males: black… Continue reading Rustic Bunting Spotted in NCR for the First Time

[29th November 2025] The Hindu OpED: The impartiality of a nominated Governor

PYQ Relevance [UPSC 2022] Discuss the essential conditions for exercise of the legislative powers by the Governor. Discuss the legality of re-promulgation of ordinances by the Governor without placing them before the Legislature. Linkage: The question is directly linked to ongoing concerns of Governors delaying assent and re-promulgating ordinances, reflecting fears of an overstepping “interfering… Continue reading [29th November 2025] The Hindu OpED: The impartiality of a nominated Governor

SC ruling on post-facto clearances sets environmental law back by decades

Introduction The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a preventive system requiring environmental clearance before a project begins. In 2025, the Supreme Court’s Vanashakti judgment banned all post-facto clearances as unconstitutional. In a new 2:1 ruling, the Court has now recalled that decision, warning that continuing the ban would cause “devastating” consequences and jeopardise major public… Continue reading SC ruling on post-facto clearances sets environmental law back by decades

India’s disaster response, a slippery slope for federalism

Introduction The Wayanad tragedy of July 2024, claiming nearly 300 lives and destroying thousands of homes, revealed deep weaknesses in India’s disaster financing structure. Though Kerala estimated losses at â‚ą20,820 crore, the Union approved only â‚ą260 crore, signalling a widening disconnect between State needs and Union allocations. As climate disasters intensify, India’s disaster-risk financing model… Continue reading India’s disaster response, a slippery slope for federalism

Tex-RAMPS Scheme

Why in the News? The Government of India approved a new scheme called Tex-RAMPS to strengthen research, data systems, innovation, and competitiveness in India’s textiles sector. The scheme aligns with India’s push to make its textiles ecosystem future-ready, technologically advanced, and globally competitive. What is Tex-RAMPS? Tex-RAMPS = Textiles Focused Research, Assessment, Monitoring, Planning and… Continue reading Tex-RAMPS Scheme

[28th November 2025] Hindu OpED Are the labour codes labour friendly

PYQ Relevance [UPSC 2024] Discuss the merits and demerits of the four ‘Labour Codes’ in the context of labour market reforms in India. What has been the progress so far in this regard? Linkage: The article’s debate on worker protection vs. industry flexibility directly reflects the merits and demerits raised in this PYQ. It also… Continue reading [28th November 2025] Hindu OpED Are the labour codes labour friendly

Without great powers on board, G20 is a drift

Introduction The G20 emerged from the ashes of the 2008 crisis as the principal platform steering global financial stability, representing both advanced and rising powers. Over time, however, geopolitical rifts, protectionist shifts, and weakened multilateralism have steadily eroded its efficacy. The absence of great powers, divergent national priorities, and competing minilaterals now raise questions about… Continue reading Without great powers on board, G20 is a drift

Is Macaulay to blame for the colonial mindset or is he a convenient in politics?

INTRODUCTION The original article presents two contrasting viewpoints on the legacy of Thomas Babington Macaulay and the larger question of whether India still carries a “colonial mindset.” One side argues that India must overcome colonial-era mental frameworks in governance and education, while the other contends that modern education, introduced during Macaulay’s era, opened unprecedented avenues… Continue reading Is Macaulay to blame for the colonial mindset or is he a convenient in politics?

Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) Programme & BRIC  

Why in the news?  At the 3rd Annual General Meeting of the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC), Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the growing importance of the Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) Programme and India’s rising biotech innovation ecosystem. Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) Programme It is one of the programmes launched under the National Initiative for Developing and… Continue reading Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) Programme & BRIC  

Israel to Bring Remaining 5,800 Bnei Menashe Jews From Northeast India

Why in the news? On 23 November 2025, Israel approved a major plan to bring all remaining 5,800 members of the Bnei Menashe Jewish community from Northeast India by 2030. This marks a significant step in the decades-long Aliyah (immigration to Israel) process. Who are the Bnei Menashe? Indigenous community from Manipur and Mizoram. Claim… Continue reading Israel to Bring Remaining 5,800 Bnei Menashe Jews From Northeast India

Hawfinch Sighting in Jim Corbett National Park  

Why in the news? A Hawfinch (Coccothraustes coccothraustes), a bird species native to Europe, North Africa, and temperate Asia, was recorded on 23 November in the Dhela zone of Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand. This is considered a vagrant bird sighting. About Hawfinch (Coccothraustes coccothraustes) Family: Fringillidae (Finches) Size: ~18 cm Wingspan: 29–33 cm Distinctive… Continue reading Hawfinch Sighting in Jim Corbett National Park  

Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir Project

Why in the news? Karnataka has decided to submit a revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Mekedatu balancing reservoir across the Cauvery River. The Supreme Court termed Tamil Nadu’s challenge as “premature”, enabling the CWMA and CWC to examine the project. Location & River Mekedatu is located in Ramanagara district, ~100 km from Bengaluru.… Continue reading Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir Project

[27th November 2025] Hindu OpED Limited room: On the Indian rupee

PYQ Relevance [UPSC 2018] How would the recent phenomena of protectionism and currency manipulations in world trade affect macroeconomic stability of India? Linkage: Protectionism and currency pressures weaken the rupee, widen the CAD, and raise imported inflation. This directly affects India’s macroeconomic stability, as seen in the article’s emphasis on dollar strength and RBI’s limited… Continue reading [27th November 2025] Hindu OpED Limited room: On the Indian rupee

Return of the G2: Trump, China and the mirage of a bipolar world

INTRODUCTION The reference to a “G2” resurfaced when US President Trump publicly announced that “The G2 will be convening shortly,” signalling a possible US-China duopoly in global decision-making. The Trump-Xi Busan meeting revived an older idea first articulated by economist C. Fred Bergsten in 2005. However, despite dramatic optics, the summit lacked institutional depth and… Continue reading Return of the G2: Trump, China and the mirage of a bipolar world

Bastar Olympics

Why in the news?  The Bastar Olympics is a government-led sporting initiative in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region, an area historically affected by Left-Wing Extremism (LWE). It has become a symbol of normalisation, trust-building, and socio-cultural revival as Maoist influence recedes. What are the Bastar Olympics? A regional multi-sport event launched by the Chhattisgarh government. Conducted across… Continue reading Bastar Olympics

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